Top 5 NBA free agent centers available for Lakers to sign who can play alongside Anthony Davis
The LA Lakers may need to start searching for another starting-quality center. This would address Jarred Vanderbilt's possible absence and fulfill Anthony Davis's request. According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Davis prefers to play alongside another big man.
Davis was listed as a power forward in college and played that position with the New Orleans Pelicans. Due to necessity, he has started at center for the Lakers. However, he desires a return to his natural spot on the floor.
The most immediate way to fulfill this request is through free agency. While the free agent market at the position is thin, a few gems could be unearthed. Here are five centers the Lakers could potentially sign to fulfill Davis' request.
Also read: NBA insider predicts Bronny James to spend considerable time in G League following subpar summer league performance
5 free agents the Lakers could sign to fulfill Anthony Davis' preference
#1 Robin Lopez (8.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 bpg)
At age 36, Robin Lopez is far removed from his days as an NBA starter. However, that doesn't mean he can no longer fulfill the role of strong interior presence.
Lopez remains a free agent after the Sacramento Kings waived him last season. He won't have the same mobility he had during his prime, but whatever he lacks will easily be covered by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who are both extremely athletic players who instantly make anyone around them better.
#2 Bismack Biyombo (5.1 ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.3 bpg)
Bismack Biyombo has never been a consistent NBA starter, but it is fair to say he's never played with anyone like LeBron James or Anthony Davis, either.
At age 32, Biyombo could have a resurgence in the right system. If he joins the Lakers, the team will also benefit from adding a veteran who could play alongside their All-star big man.
#3 JaVale McGee (7.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.4 bpg)
JaVale McGee played for the Lakers from 2018-2020. During LA's 2020 title run, McGee was the team's starter.
Fans have witnessed what McGee can do alongside Anthony Davis. If the front office brings him back, they might achieve the same results.
#4 Udoka Azubuike (2.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.4 bpg)
Some young NBA players are unproven and could use a big break. Udoka Azubuike is one such player, and the Lakers could give him that opportunity.
Since being drafted in 2020, Azubuike has appeared in 84 regular-season games. He hasn't had the chance to show his potential, and playing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis could be a huge step in the right direction for him.
Currently, Azubuike plays with a club based in Montenegro. However, a Lakers contract would entice him to return to the NBA immediately.
#5 Omer Yurtseven (5.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.4 blocks)
Omer Yurtseven is another young, unproven player who deserves another NBA run. During his three seasons in the league, he showed signs of becoming a solid role player.
The Lakers could use him to address their immediate needs and perhaps keep him around for the inevitable post-LeBron rebuild.
Yurtseven is under contract with a European team, but the Lakers could lure him back to the NBA with a sweet deal and the promise of competing for a title.